Don’t rely on computer records for this. By all means, if your handwriting is atrocious and you prefer to type up your notes, go right ahead. But print them out. Do you really want to have to run to your computer, covered in soil and bug remnants, to look up something in your garden journal on the fly? We didn’t think so. Buy a three-ring binder. Preferably a sturdy, thick one, because the journal will only grow over time. Sheet protectors are a good idea, too, as they keep things nice and clean. Keep all of your records – handwritten or printed out from your computer – organized for quick and easy reference.

What will you record in your garden journal? Here is a list that will give you some idea of what a garden journal should contain and how it can help you be a better gardener:

Seems like a lot, doesn’t it? Well…it is a lot – at first. But, we promise you, it is well worth it, and as time goes on you will see how beneficial it is to have a record of what you have done so that you can build on successes and avoid repeating mistakes.

If journal organization isn’t your strong suit, check out this garden journal outline available from Amazon.Com. You will still need to buy that three-ring binder, but this journal outline will go a long way to helping you organize your information, particularly if you’re just starting your gardening adventure: